Holbrook in Navajo County, Arizona — The American Mountains (Southwest)
Santa Fe Railroad
The Atlantic and Pacific Railroad built this important line across the Southwest in 1882. That sparked the founding of many northern Arizona towns, including Holbrook and Winslow to the west.
The Fred Harvey Company, famous for excellent meals and hotels along the Santa Fe line, hosted guided tours into the Petrified Forest National Monument during the 1930’s. Passengers disembarked at the Adamana station one mile (1.6 km) to the west to tour “petrified forests” in open roofed “Harvey Cars.”
The advent of automobiles brought visitors to the park along Route 66, which was later replaced by Interstate 40. Although the whistle-stop town of Adamana has disappeared and Route 66 through the park is mostly overgrown by the short grass prairie, trains still roll along the Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railroad tracks.
Erected by Petrified National Forest Services.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Railroads & Streetcars • Roads & Vehicles. In addition, it is included in the U.S. Route 66 series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1882.
Location. 34° 58.592′ N, 109° 47.616′ W. Marker is in Holbrook, Arizona, in Navajo County. Marker can be reached from Petrified Forest Road, on the right when traveling north. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Holbrook AZ 86025, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within one mile of this marker, measured as the crow flies. Village on the Rio Puerco (within shouting distance of this marker); Life in the Village (about 500 feet away, measured in a direct line); Meaning of Place (about 700 feet away); A Canvas for Ideas (about 700 feet away); Summer Solstice Marker (about 700 feet away); Whispers from the Past (about 700 feet away); Newspaper Rock (approx. 1.1 miles away); Newspaper Rock Petroglyphs Archeological District (approx. 1.1 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Holbrook.
Also see . . .
1. The History and Legacy of the BNSF Railroad. A detailed history complete with historic and current photos. (Submitted on October 2, 2013.)
2. History and Legacy of the Fred Harvey Company. Links are included taking the reader to additional historical information and photos. (Submitted on October 2, 2013.)
Credits. This page was last revised on July 11, 2018. It was originally submitted on September 29, 2013, by Denise Boose of Tehachapi, California. This page has been viewed 774 times since then and 29 times this year. Last updated on July 9, 2018, by Craig Baker of Sylmar, California. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5. submitted on September 29, 2013, by Denise Boose of Tehachapi, California. • Syd Whittle was the editor who published this page.